To go beyond an acceptable limit or boundary; to do something you're not supposed to do or that offends someone.
From prefix 'over-' (beyond, too much) combined with 'step' (from Old English 'stæpe,' footstep). Metaphorically uses the physical idea of stepping too far to mean exceeding boundaries. Became common in English by the 1500s.
The metaphor of 'stepping' to mean boundaries is ancient—you 'step over a line,' 'step up' to challenge, or 'step down' from power, all using physical movement to describe social and personal limits.
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